Lakshmi Narayana Salagrama with a golden hue
“Salagramashila Yathradevo Dwaravathi Bhava:
Ubhayo: Sangamey Yathra Yathra Mukthi: Na Samsaya:”
“Wherever Salagrama is present, in those places, Lord Vishnu and Dwaravathi are present. Those who worship these couplets will attain Mukthi – No suspicions” - Garuda Purana
Hi. Welcome back to my blog.
Let us begin with shatanama sthothram on Lord Narayana:
Shalagrama is a household name in many Hindu families, being associated with both Maha Vishnu as well as Shiva Linga poojas. Usually black, it also shows up in other colours, such as red, golden and silver shades. This blog is meant to convey the very essence of such a worship, unique to India. Although Hinduism has many anthropomorphic murtis (images) of gods, aniconism is also represented with such abstract symbols of God as the Salagrama and Shiva Linga.
Shalagrama is the fossilised shell of a sea-borne creature (ammonites) of the bygone era, believed to have existed millions of years ago, but extinct now. It comes out in varied shapes, each one different from the other, with inscriptions resembling the conch, chakra and other weapons of Sri Vishnu. It is believed that Vishnu as well as His consort Sri Devi reside in this stone structure and is supported by many stories from the Puranas, which we will see in this blog.
There is also a set of Salagrama which bear no symbols but are shaped like Shiva Linga, mostly egg-shaped, which are believed by Shivites as Swayambu linga, occurring naturally, worthy of worship as Lord Shiva. We thus see that both Vaishnavites as well as Shivites treat the Saligrama with reverence, though the Vishnavites are more in number.
Saligramas are found in river beds and other regions that were once underwater, the most popular being the Himalayas and Nepal. Historically, the use of Salagrama Shilas in worship can be traced to the time of Adi Shankara through the latter's works. Specifically, his commentary on verse 1.6.1 in Taittiriya Upanishad and his commentary on verse 1.3.14 of the Brahma Sutras suggest that the use of Saligrama in the worship of Vishnu has been a well-known Hindu practice.
A Shaligrama – which has the marks of a Shankha, Chakra, Gadha and Padma arranged in a particular order – is worshipped as Keshava. With the change in the order of the four symbols, the name of the Shaligrama stone is also different and the images of such deities also have similar settings to the four symbols. The various orders and names are given for the twenty-four permutations. These are well-known names, which are the different names by which Lord Vishnu is known in the Hindu pantheon. The various versions of the Saligrama Shilas or stones vis-a-vis the order of the four symbols are:
- Shankha, chakra, gada and padma – Keshava
- Padma, gada, chakra, shankha – Narayana
- Chakra, shankha, padma and gada – Madhava
- Gada, padma, shankha and chakra – Govinda
- Padma, shankha, chakra and gada – Vishnu
- Shankha, padma, gada, chakra – Madhusudhana
- Gada, chakra, shankha and padma – Trivikrama
- Chakra, gada, padma, shankha – Vamana
- Chakra, gada, shankha, padma – Shridhara
- Gada, chakra, padma, shankha – Upendra
- Chakra, padma, shankha, gada – Hrishikesh
- Gada, shankha, padma, charka – Aniruddha
- Padma, chakra, gada, shankha – Padmanabha
- Shankha, gada, chakra, padma – Damodara
- Shankha, padma, chakra, gada – Sankarshana
- Padma, shankha, gada, chakra – Purushottama
- Shankha, chakra, padma, gada – Vasudeva
- Padma, gada, shankha, chakra – Narasimha
- Shankha, gada, padma, chakra – Pradyumna
- Padma, chakra, shankha, gada – Achyuta
- Gada, shankha, chakra, padma – Adhokshaja
- Chakra, padma, gada and shankha – Hari
- Chakra, shankha, gada, padma – Janardana
- Gada, padma, chakra and shankha – Krishna
Have you seen Periya Perumal at Srirangam? As per our ancestors, Periya perumal's entire Thirumeni (Divine Bodily Form) is made out of 1000s of Saligrama. This also explains the sanctity of Periya Perumal as well. Brahma was worshipping this same Periya Perumal made of saligramas. There is a Prakaram (Temple Round) around the Sanctum Sanctorum of Periya Perumal which is named as ThiruVenAzhi Prakaram. As per sayings, this Prakaram is surrounded by thousands of Saligrama. Hence, Udayavar (Sri Ramanujar) didn't lay his foot on this Prakaram and came all along on his knees. This Tamil month of Iypasi is called "Thula Vishu Punya Kalam". In this entire month, holy waters from Kaveri are brought for Pooja in Golden Pot in Srirangam. Also, another aspect to be noted is that PeriyaPerumal, Namperumal and Renganayaki Thayar will be adorned with Saligrama Mala, only in this month.
The idol of Lord Vishnu in anantha sayanam posture at the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram is also made from the Shaligrams of the Gandaki River.
Vajra Keedam:
The insect which created these special shapes is named “Vajra Keedam” and Puranas describe it as “PonVandu” (Golden Bee). This insect lived millions of years ago in Muktinath Kshetra in the Himalayas, which is nearly 12500 Ft above sea level. Saligrama was formed by this insect in the Kandagi River, which originates from the Saligrama Mountain range, above Mukthinath nearly 17000 Ft above sea level. As said earlier, as this insect is Golden in color, the impressions made by them on the Saligrama are also golden, which is a divine work.
Swami Sri Madhvacharya stayed in Vedha Vyasa Ashram in North India for 8 years and worshipped various rare and magnificent Saligramas. When he started travelling across India, he decided to place those Saligramas in various temples as he may not be able to do Poojas for them Daily. He gave 6 of such Saligramas to a Subramanya Swami Temple (details not known), one in Madhya (Centre) Gaya and the other one in Udipi Krishna Temple.
Performing Pooja for 12 Saligrama is considered special and owning a Dwaraka Sila Saligrama is more significant. It is believed that our Ancestors resided in the Saligrama Dwara (Hole). The place of Saligrama worship itself is considered sacred and special. One who intakes the Saligarma Abhishekam Theertham will attain Mukthi and get rid of Ancestral curses, if any.
Puranic Stories on Saligrama:
Velukkudi's views on Saligramam reflect the Vaishnavite's views:
Once Lord Brahma had a genuine concern about the increasing strength of sinners and was sweating in his Chin and Throat. The sweat which dropped from his throat transformed into a woman, named “Kandaki” (Kanda – throat). Kandaki vigorously meditated and Lord Brahma appeared before her. She asked a boon that all the Devas should be born as her children, which was not acceptable to Brahma. Kandki became angry at it and cursed all devas to turn into worms and insects. Devas got worried and intern they cursed her to transform into Jalarubee (water), Jalaja. This back-and-forth cursing went on for quite some time aggressively. Finally, the Devas approached Sriman Narayana and pleaded for mercy and to suggest a way out from these serial curses. Lord Narayan told them that it was not possible to take back the curses.
But Lord Narayana gave a way out. He said, “Two of my devotees will be born in this place and attain moksha, as an elephant and a crocodile. Once they are dead, you can be born as worms named VajraKeedam in their remains. Kandaki will originate as a holy river. Miles away from here, there is a place called Chakra Theertham where I shall reside as well. You shall hide in the stones of the mountain and live along the Kandaki River there. The substance in which you reside shall be called “Dwaraka Chakra" or a Saligrama. This way, Kandaki’s wish will also be fulfilled. One who worships these Saligrama will attain Moksha.”
Sub-story
Karthama Prajapathi and Devahuthi had 2 sons named Jayan and Vijayan. They strictly followed all dharmas and were mutually co-operative with each other. They were deep devotees of Lord Vishnu. In this period, their King, Maruthan, decided to perform a Yaga. Both Jayan and Vijayan were invited to the Yaga. Jayan presided over the Yaga in the place of Bhrama and Vijayan performed the Yaga well. Marthan was happy about the completion of the Yaga and hence honored both of them with more wealth. On returning home, while they were trying to share the wealth given, a clash broke out. While the elder wanted to divide the entire wealth into 50:50, the younger argued to take away the entire portion of the wealth without leaving any share to the other. Jayan therefore cursed Vijayan to be born as a crocodile since he was so greedy. Vijayan in turn cursed Jayan to become an elephant since he was talking like a mad elephant.
Because of these curses, Jayan was born as an Elephant named Gajendra. Vijayan was born as a Crocodile and was living in a pond near the Kandaki River. Even after taking this birth, both of them were still worshipping Lord Vishnu daily. One day when Gajendra went to the pond to pluck a lotus flower, the Crocodile caught hold of Gajendra’s leg and threatened to kill him. Gajendra was profuse bleeding to death and pleaded loudly for help when Lord Vishnu appeared on the spot and immediately killed the crocodile with his Chakra. This way, both Gajendra and the Crocodile attained Moksha.
Because Lord’s Chakra was being showered on the rocks, all the rocks got the impression of Lord’s Chakra and were called the Dwaraka Shila. The place where this incident happened was called Hari Kshetra. The Pond was known as Chakra Theertham. Since the trees in the mountains around were called Sala Trees, the place was also called Salagramam. Devas were born on the mortal remains of elephant Gajendra and the crocodile as insect VajraKeedam. Kandaki became the River. This is how Salagrama was formed. The Vaishnavites believe that since Saligrama was the place where exactly Gajendra Moksha happened, those who worship Saligrama and Dwaraka Shila will attain the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu.
There are many stories connecting the Salagrama and Kantagi river and the reader is advised to refer to the web for more of these. The river Kandaki is regarded as equal to that of the Ganges. It was worshipped as Hiranyavathi in the Kirutha Yuga. The very name 'Hiranyam' denotes gold. There is no wonder that in this holy river, both Vishnu and Shiva, in the form of Salagramam, with golden rays manifested.
Varieties of Salagramas:
- Salagramas which do not have any inscriptions or sculptures on them. They look like pebbles and glossy. These are called as “Hiranya Grabha” Salagrama.
- Salagramas which are split into two halves and are inscribed inside with the Chakra symbol.
- Salagramas with holes, having impressions of weapons of Lord Narayana.
- Salagramas that are black glossy, egg-shaped, resembling a Shiva Linga.
As per Shastras, we should not purchase a Salagrama by paying money. Instead, it can be received against donating gold and other precious materials. Donating a Salagrama is considered equivalent to donating land.
Mathsya Purana, Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, Padma Purana and Brahan Naradheeyam speak a lot about Salagrama.
Shapes and Forms of Saligrama:
Let us also see some of the laskhana of various forms of Salagrama, which are associated with different incarnations of Lord Vishnu:
Vasudeva – Rich blackish, having two chakars inscriptions in the open.
Sankarshana – Red, with two chakra inscriptions in the open.
Pradhyumna – Blue, with many holes, having delicate Chakras.
Aniruddha – Yellow, having Padhma (lotus) inscriptions.
Narayana – Black, round shaped, having a big and wide opening inscribed with chakra.
Pramesti - will have lotus, chakra inscriptions along with one Bindhu (Dot) on the backside.
Vishnu - will have big Chakra and linings (Rekhas) in the middle.
Narasimha - will be black, have bigger Chakra inscriptions, along with five Bindhus. This is as described in Agni Purana. Garuda Purana describes that Narasimha Salagrama will be in golden-colored or Kapila-colored and centre part in an elevated manner with three to five Bindhus.
Varaha - will be triangular-shaped. Will have two rings in the left side. Will have two uneven chakras as per Agni Purana). Will have long facets, ringed with flowers and will have Chakra inscriptions in the holes. (SreeThathuvam)
Kurma: Black or Royal Blue(Indra Neel)-coloured. Circular in Shape. Will have protruding back. Delicate and will have 3 linings. (Agni Purana)
MahaKurma: Circular in Shape. Will be having one or more of the inscriptions like Garland, Lotus or Chakra. Will be seen in Golden color with dots on it, similar to Purasai Flower. This is a rare form of Salagrama. (Sreethatvanidhi)
Kurma Varaha Moorthi: This form of Salagrama will have two dotted Chakra inscriptions or Sanga (Conch) inscriptions. All the five arms/weapons of the LORD will be visible more on these Salagramas.
Mathsya: will be elongated lotus-shaped and will have linings in the mouth side. (Garuda Purana)
Mathsya: will be elongated with three dots on the top. Chakras and holes will not be present, coloured like Kasi Beads, will be formed with 3 sections. (Agni Purana)
Mathsya: Fish-shaped, polished surface, dotted, may have 2 protruding teeth-like structure (SreeThatvam). (A Salagrama which have any one of the above forms is to be considered as Mathsya Salagrama).
Hayagreeva: Blue colored, with Bindu, inscription like an Angucha, can be seen. (Agni Purana). Angucha-shapped facets. Long-shaped Bindu. Will be colored like a Naaval Fruit. (SreeThatvam)
Another similar Salagrama which has an Angucha inscription but is larger in shape, with just one Chakra is called “Ambuja”.
Sreedhara: Sphere-shaped. Will have 5 rekhas (inscriptions) on the top. Vanamaalai symbol inside the hole (Agni Purana).
Vamana: Very small sphere shaped, blue-coloured and having one dot (Agni Purana)
Parasurama: Axe-like inscription. Green-colored like a grass. Will be tall. Chakra Rekha in the mid.
Sri Rama: Bow shaped inscription or rekha. Big, long, green coloured, dotted, chakra inscription in the centre, with many holes. (Sreethatvam)
Seetha Rama: Egg-shaped, with Kundala rekha (studded inscription). Same sized Chakra or Kalpa Virusha rekha near the hole. Left side near the head portion chakra Rekha.
Gopala Murthi: Colored. Dotted. Hole in the Backside. Makara Kundalam (fish-shaped ear ring). Bhana Rekha in the left side forehead. Beautiful to look at.
Krishna: Sphere-shaped. Black colored. Small Hole.
Hiranya Garbha: White-shaped, smooth, big in size, long and with Chakra Rekha in the hole (Sreethatvam).
Further, Salagramas are identified as per the number of chakra inscriptions as well. If there is:
1 Chakra – Sri Sudarasana
2 Chakra – Sri Lakshmi Narayana
3 Chakra - Sri Trivikrama
4 Chakra – Janardhana
5 Chakra – Sri Vasudeva
6 Chakra – Sri Pradhyumna
7 Chakra – Sri Sankarshana
8 Chakra – Sri Purushotama
9 Chakra – Sri Navavyugar
10 Chakra – Sri Dasavatram
11 Chakra – Sri Aniruddha
12 Chakra – Sri Dhvadasa Athma
According to the Vaishnavas the Shaligram is the "dwelling place of Lord Vishnu". Lord Krishna himself mentions the qualities of Shaligram to 'Yudhishtir' in the Mahabharata. All the Shaligrams are considered auspicious. Worship of these stones is widespread and dates back to a distant past. They are worshipped in temples, monasteries and households all over the world, as visible and natural emblems of Vishnu. They are also worshipped in religious functions like house-warming (gruha-pravesha, vastu-puja), pacifying rites of different sorts and marriages, since it draws off all negative energies.
Gandaki River
The Kali Gandaki or Gandaki river is one of the major rivers of Nepal and a tributary of the river Ganges. It is also called Krishna Gandaki in Nepal. Gandaki River Is an Important river for Hindus for more reasons than one.
It is here that Valmiki Maha Rishi wrote the great epic, Ramayana. The ancient Valmiki Ashram still exists here even today and is a place of pilgrimage. Believed to be the birth palce of Luv and Kush, the two sons of Lord Ram and Sita. The hermitage also landmarks the "Falahar" (eating place) of Sita. Ashwamedha Yaga's horse was believed to be tied here.
The river is mentioned in the epic of Mahabharata as well. Its evolution is described in Shiva Purana, Kumara khanda and in the chapter of the killing of Shankachuda.
Also known as shilas, these stones are revered and worshiped by Hindus as manifestations of Lord Vishnu himself. It is believed that Saraswati cursed Lakshmi in anger once which changed Lakshmi into a tulsi plant and forced her to live on earth forever. Vishnu intervened and modified the curse, saying Lakshmi would remain on earth as tulsi until the river Gandaki flowed from her body and all these while, he would stay by the riverside in the form of a stone until he can take her back to His abode. It is for this reason that the tulsi plant and shila deities are always worshiped together as Lakshmi and Vishnu.
Vishnu enshrined in Mathura, Salagramam, Dwaraka, Ayodhya and Sree Vaikuntam is the same as the one (Purushottaman) enshrined in Tirukkandam or Kadinagar (Devaprayag). Tirumangaialwar in his decad of verses declares that Salgramam is home to Sri Rama.
Here are some images of various Saligrama Shilas, before we sign off:
Let me share a lovely song on Lord Sriman Narayana before we close this blog.This unparalleled Stotram is a lullaby sung by Maa Aryaamba to Her son Shri Adi Shankara. Then that eternal Jagadhguru Sankara went on to add the second para. Enjoy this song now:
